Six ways to spend Thanksgiving 2017 in San Francisco

Thanksgiving doesn’t really mean much for expats. It’s not a holiday that we have memories from childhood of (unless you grew up in the US).

Unlike New Year’s Day or Christmas, in some cases, Thanksgiving can turn out to just be two days off work that feel like you’re on your own. The shops are closed, apart from the Black Friday sales, and most of your friends are gorging on turkey with their families.

How can you take advantage of that long weekend without resorting to burrowing into a blanket fort and binge watching TV? I’ve got some ideas for you.

P.S. I wrote a similar post last year, that has a lot of great ideas in it. But I like to keep things up-to-date, so I decided to create a new list this year.

UNTHANKSGIVING DAY CRUISE

If you’re an early bird and don’t like to waste the day, why not try Unthanksgiving on Alcatraz Island. It’s also known as the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering and looks back on the occupation of the island by the “Indians of All Tribes” back in 1969.

It’s the only way you’ll get to Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day, and will teach you all about the two-year occupation of the island. Boats start leaving for the island at 4.15am and everyone must be on the last boat back at 8.45am.

FRIENDSGIVING

A couple of people who can’t make flights “back home” for the holiday weekend are hosting “Friendsgivings”.

They’re gathering people in a similar situation and doing a Thanksgiving for them. If you’ve got a bunch of expat mates, you could organise the same.

If you’re all from the same country, get everyone to make a dish from home to share. Or you could do the same from everyone’s different country and see how it pans out.

BRIDGEWATCH

For those who like to feel like they’re helping the world become a better place, think about volunteering for Bridgewatch on Thanksgiving Day.

The Golden Gate bridge is a well-known suicide spot, and it is patrolled by police and Bridgewatch volunteers for that reason.

You can volunteer from either 10am to 2pm or from 2pm to 6pm on Thanksgiving Day on the bridge. Smiling and chatting to anyone who seems down and engaging people who are walking alone and displaying signs of depression.

How awesome is Bridgewatch?! I think I’d be all over that sugar castle – so cool – and the Japanese Gardens are a favourite of mine. I went to the Contemporary Jewish Museum while I was in town and didn’t really get anything out of my visit except a decent sized hole in my wallet. That said, the deli, Wise Sons in the lobby is not to be missed (and you don’t have to buy an admission ticket to eat there!)

IKR? When I read about Bridgewatch, I just knew that I had to include it in the post.
Ever since I visited Seattle and saw the Star Wars themed gingerbread creations, I’ve been hunting down every incarnation I could. Last year I think I went to the Fairmont Hotel in SF, they had a life sized gingerbread house.

We don’t have Thanksgiving in Italy and yet this tradition is so fascinating. We once had a dinner much similar to the traditional Thanksgiving one in NY and it was awesome, I can’t imagine how delicious would it be!

I’ve never heard of UnThanksgiving, but I love it! I actually grew up in the SF Bay Area and I remember not knowing what to do on Thanksgiving when everything was closed. These are great ideas! I will definitely use your tips if I ever find myself back home.

San Francisco seems like a great place to explore and be outdoors, even for those of us who grew up celebrating Thanksgiving. I also like the idea of volunteering– be it Bridgewatch or in a shelter or something different yet.

What an interesting and thoughtful post about Thanksgiving. I hope the way you spend it will see you well-cared for and fed. Much love…thinking of you. D xx
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek 45/52. Next Week: Best Birthday Ever.

Thanks Denyse, I was very well cared for (and continue to be). I was served a plate stacked with double the amount of food I’d usually eat. And they were the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever tasted. Mr M’s dad sure is a phenomenal cook. I can see where Mr M gets his culinary talents from 😀

We don’t have a Thanksgiving tradition where I’m from but I’ve spent so many holidays abroad as an expat that I know how boring and miserable it can be alone. I love the idea of an Alcatraz early morning cruise to watch the sunrise or even a long weekend staycation somewhere with a sea view and ocean breeze.

A long weekend staycation is a great idea Razena! The perfect opportunity to explore your own city. Because Thanksgiving is so busy for flying that you probably wouldn’t want to be anywhere near an airport.

These are wonderful ideas! I haven’t been to Alcatraz yet but would be interested in hearing the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering’s take on it. Also, appreciate your including the Bridgewatch option. As sad as it sounds it could make the difference in someone’s life. <3

These are awesome ideas! I am originally from San Francisco and think that everyone in the area should experience the Sunrise Gathering. I also really like the idea volunteering at the bridge. I knew that there volunteers but the holidays can be an especially difficult time of year, especially for someone battling depression.